Scratchings-and-Sniffings

Posted by Animals at 6:20 PM Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Scratchings-and-Sniffings

The Truth about PitBulls

Posted: 17 Aug 2009 09:02 AM PDT

Pandora I don't know the truth about pitbulls. I only know that dogs, most dogs, are good creatures. I know that at one time German Shepards were vilified (people hated them because they were considered dangerous). And, I know that little dogs like chihuahuas can be terrors - as we had one and woe be it to the human who rubbed her the wrong way! She couldn't do a lot of damage, but she was pretty ferocious! (she never bit anyone, she just made a lot of noise - but it was scary!)

I looked up some information on pitbulls, not only because of the fact that they've been in the news so much lately, but because as far back as 10 years ago, pitbulls were considered unsuitable for families. And yet, even then, their supporters defended them to the hilt...as we defended German Shepards, back in the day. Frankly, it comes down to the people - how you raise your dog will determine how it behaves. 

At Pet Orphans of Southern California, I found some history that bears repeating. Of pitbulls, they say, "The official UKC breed temperment standard is the following: 'The essential characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. APBTs make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of chidlren." (bolding is theirs, not mine)

On this site Midwest Rescue of Illinois, there is a list of The American Temperament Test Society, Inc (ATTS), which tests the temperment of various dog breeds. I have no way of knowing how scientific this is, or how accurate, but their results show some interesting breeds as having the "most friendly" temperment... and those breeds are - Toy Poodle at 80%, Afghans at 72%, Labs at 91.1%, and Pit Bulls at 83.4%. That does not reflect ALL pit bull terrier breeds, as there are several listed in the AKC under "terrier" because that's what they are - terriers. American_Pit_Bull_Terrier_-_Seated

Here's a really great site with a lot of pictures. I love these pictures as they seem "old"... whether that's photoshop or not, they are great shots of kids with pit bulls, and more. Farther down there are unsavory pics of what happens when people mistreat these animals.  

I write this post because humans have a tendency to malign all animals that misbehave, even when the behavior has been taught by humans. Dogs of any breed can become mean if treated poorly. It's up to us, the pet people who know that in their heart of hearts, dogs want to be part of the pack. For domesticated dogs that live in a home with its family, the pack is the family.

Be kind to your dogs. Support shelters. It's been said that the measure of a civilization will be known by how it treats its weakest members. Seniors, children and animals. Those are the weakest. How we treat them determines the reality of our so-called civilization.

Just some simple thoughts from a gal who believes the weakest among us deserves better than they get.

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